How to make a DIY Summertime Instagram Display Wall

This was one of my favorite projects.

Supplies:

Picture Frame

Eye Hooks

Picture Hanging Wire

Clips

Instagram Photos

Scrapbook Paper Frames (optional)

1/2 yard of fabric

Cardboard

Tape

Command Strip Hooks (optional to hang without holes)

Free printable IG picture frames

And here are some free printable frames that are the perfect square size for Instagram photos. Just right-click on this link and print them off on cardstock and add your photos.

Repurpose a picture frame

I used a Silhouette Christmas Advent frame that I repurposed for this project, but you can make your own photo frame very easily. Here’s how to make your own DIY Photo Frame:

To make the DIY Instagram Picture Display: 

How many rows?

Determine how many rows of pictures you want to hang for your frame

Print off the free Instagram photo frames

Then add your photos.

Measure the rows

Measure out the rows and mark them on the frame.

Screw eye hooks into those marks.

String wire through hooks and then wrap around itself to secure edges

Measure the back of the frame and cut out a piece of cardboard that size.

Then cut the fabric to the same size as the cardboard and attach it with tape (I used painters tape) And attach the fabric-covered back to the frame also using tape, or you can use a staple gun.

Print off your Instagram pictures

You can use a company like Persnickety Prints or even on thick photo paper on your home computer.

Hang up your pictures.

You can add a bow to the bottom if you want.

Switch out the photos and fabric with the seasons

This was how the photo looked on the wall in our old house.  I love that I can switch the photos and fabric out with the seasons. I can’t wait to make a Halloween version of the board!!

If you are on Instagram, leave your IG name in the comments – I would love to come over and see YOUR IG photos!

Tatertots & Jello on Instagram 

Have a Creative Day! 

xoxo

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I can’t wait to learn all about what are the best lenses to be using.

If you have an SLR camera, but aren’t quite sure what lenses to use for different situations, then you are in the right place! It can be overwhelming, there are so many options, and they aren’t cheap. I’m delighted to introduce my friend and professional photographer Kristen Duke, and to announce that we are teaming up for a special webinar talking all about camera lenses! She specializes in teaching others how to use their fancy cameras, of which I’ve benefitted from knowing her and taking her classes at conferences like SNAP. You should see the photos I was taking when I first started blogging!!!! LOL. I’m still learning but when I have questions Kristen has ALWAYS been so wonderful to help me. 

FREE Webinar – Must-Have Lenses for Mom Photographers! 

As moms, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts, we want to preserve those precious moments in the life of our family. Kristen shares her photo tips in an easy-to-understand format, that helps women feel empowered to use the complicated cameras.

Kristen shares, “When you purchased your SLR camera, you likely got it in a ‘deal’ with the 18-55mm kit lens. What they don’t tell you is that the lens is a foggier glass, the aperture doesn’t go very low, and what exactly all of those numbers mean. Yes, there is a manual, but who understands that gibberish?”

Kristen will walk you through those basic details in our webinar, as well as share with you when she uses which lenses, and which are her favorites. I’ll be sharing my best tips on lenses as well!!

Also at this LIVE event, she will share with you all about the Camera Academy for Moms, which is a photography course she’s put together with 30 video tutorials to teach you all about how to use your camera, geared towards beginners to intermediate. If you’d like a sneak peek of the course, you can check it out now! You can even grab a spot now, but there will be some exclusive freebie’s for those on the LIVE webinar.

This LIVE event about lenses will be held online, so you can interact and chat with both Kristen and myself on Thursday, January 26th at 11am Central.

Don’t fret if you can’t make it LIVE, because if you sign up to be a participant in the webinar, the video will be sent to your inbox, and you can view it, but only up to 48 hours after it airs.

>>>>>>>>>SIGN UP for the Must-Have Lenses WEBINAR HERE<<<<<<<<<<<

Remember, even if you can’t make it LIVE, sign up to see it for 48 hours after.

I hope you can come hang out with US and learn how to use YOUR camera to take beautiful pictures for your family, home and even for your business!!!!

I can’t wait to see YOU there!! 

xxo

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DIY New Years Eve Photo Party Backdrop

Supplies:

• Gold cardstock
• Gold glitter
• Cutting machine or willing children and scissors
• Mod Podge and brush or spray adhesive
• Twine or fishing line
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Removable hooks
• Cafe curtain rod (or any cheap rod you can find)

Now here is where having an electronic cutting or die cut machine comes in handy. You are going to need about 100 or so similarly sized stars. If you don’t have a machine you can create a star template on cardboard and use it to trace and hand cut out the stars on gold cardstock. This would be a great activity for children, too!

With about 12 or so stars give them a nice coat of adhesive and a liberal sprinkle of gold glitter. This will help dimension to the backdrop and give it a little extra pizzazz in your photos.

Next, cut your twine or fishing line (or even ribbon) to about 4 foot lengths. Lay your twine down on the ground and eyeball the placement of about 12 stars evenly down the length of the twine, making one or 2 of the glitter stars mixed in. Carefully, attach the stars to the twine/line/ribbon with a dab of hot glue. I find it is always best to use a low temp hot glue gun when gluing paper – it dries quicker and it greatly lessen the burn chances.

Now you’re ready for the fun part, follow the directions on the back of your removable hooks and hang your curtain rod. Since I was doing a children’s photo backdrop I hung mine about 6 inches taller than my oldest daughter. Once your curtain rod is hanging, tie your strands of stars to the curtain rod.

Now get ready for the fun to ensue. There is something about glittery stars and random props that bring the silly out in my kids and I absolutely cherish these silly photos. And when you’re done photographing all the children at the party just move your hooks up to adult and height and let the grown ups get in on the silly action!

I hope that you’ve had a wonderful holiday season and you are ready to kiss 2014 goodbye so we can start looking forward to all the wonderful things 2015 has in store for everyone!

*********

Thanks Stacy! I love it! Such an easy and pretty idea for New Years or birthday parties! Stacy has all kinds of awesome ideas on her blog. Here are a few I think you’ll like:

If you’re looking for another pretty idea for NYE, check out her DIY Gold Confetti Champagne Flutes!

And, I love this DIY Stripes and Glitter Mason Jar. The glitter is perfect and you can leave this out all winter long!

And, I had to sneak in this cute Valentine’s Day idea. These cute Valentine’s Day Tags are perfect for your class parties!

 Visit She’s Kinda Crafty and

Follow the HAPPY Holidays Event at Tatertots & Jello

all through the holidays with awesome tutorials, recipes, decorating ideas and more from some amazing blogs!

xoxo

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Teen Room Photo Display Ideas

Metal Printed photos are a fun way to blow up a memory or photo of a loved one in a teen room. Also create an easy hanging photo display that can be changed throughout the year!

Photos are a wonderful way to personalize a room and fill it with memories and the images of those we love. This is especially true in the tween and teen years. As we moved over the summer it’s been very fun to work on the girls’ rooms with them, personalizing and making their rooms exactly what they want.

When we moved into the home, Hannah my 17-year-old, wanted a room in the basement. The room she chose was large and one of the focal points was a brick wall.

Since the room is in the basement, it has the challenge of limited light.

The dark red brick wall made the room especially dark.

One of the first things we did was paint the whole room, including the brick wall, white. It really helped make the space brighter and more welcoming.

Another thing that Hannah wanted was photos of her dogs. She has always had a really close bond with our oldest dog, Trixie. Santa brought Trixie the Christmas when Hannah was 8 and from the very start they were inseparable.

So when CVS Photo  contacted me with opportunity to work on a photo wall in Hannah’s room, we both knew she wanted to use some favorite photos of Trixie. We love how easy it is to “photo our way” at CVS. We ordered the photo prints and they were ready the same day.

Teen Room Photo Display Ideas

Another cool element on the wall is the big photo of Trixie from CVS Photo that is printed on metal. It’s a really fun metallic look plus it’s so lightweight to hang on the wall. Hannah was so excited when she saw the big metal print of Trixie!

One easy way that Hannah can display her photos is with this easy photo display that we created.

Here’s how you can make this easy photo display:

Supplies:

• Photos –  It’s so easy to order your favorite prints from your Facebook account or camera roll via the CVS Pharmacy Mobile app, shipping photo products directly to your home through CVS Photo, or by utilizing the in-store kiosks while shopping for other summer essentials at your local CVS Pharmacy!
• Clips – I used the clips from my Pebbles Home+Made line.
• String or Bakers Twine
• Small Command Clips to hold the twine (no holes in your walls)

Teen Room Photo Display Ideas

Directions:

• Order your favorite prints from your Facebook account or camera roll via the CVS Pharmacy Mobile app, shipping photo products directly to your home, or by utilizing the in-store kiosks while shopping for other summer essentials at your local CVS Pharmacy
• Measure the length of the photo display area and attach the small Command clips.
• Then and add about 6 inches on both ends and cut the Bakers Twine to that length.
• Make small loops on both ends of the bakers twine and hang the twine from the small Command clips.
• Attach the photos and mementos from the clips.

We hung the photo display and large metal print of Trixie above Hannah’s desk. It adds a personal touch to her new lighter room!

And Hannah loves how easy it is to change out the photos whenever she wants! It’s so easy to “photo your way” with CVS. Whether it’s by creating customized photo gifts and décor on CVS.com/photo, ordering favorite prints from her Facebook account or camera roll via the CVS Pharmacy Mobile app, shipping photo products directly to our home, or using CVS’s in-store kiosks!

Another really cool photo product at CVS Photo are their photo pillows! We ordered this one of our family picture. The quality is really great. It’s an indoor/outdoor pillow, so we can use it on the patio too. It’s really vibrant and soft.

Hannah is really happy with her room and seeing her happy is wonderful!

How do you “Photo Your Way”?

Share how you use photos to personalize your space!

Share them with the hashtag #CVSPhotoMyWay on Instagram!! 

Have a Beautiful Day! 

xoxo

Disclosure: I’m proud to partner with CVS Pharmacy for the How Do You Photo campaign. I am being sponsored by CVS Pharmacy for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are my own.

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Put Mom in the Photo – my Mother’s Day Mantel. Thanks for all of your sweet comments about my post last week about putting mom in the photo. Putting ourselves in front of the camera is something I really believe in and something I am trying to be better at. I know it takes a little planning and effort sometimes. I find myself with second-day hair and in my yoga pants most of the time. But it was so fun having Hannah’s high-school friend Lauryn come and take some photos of my family. I got the metal prints back and I am so excited.I love my new Mother’s Day mantel – with me in the photos.  I am passionate about www.CVS.com/photo‘s Put Mom In the Photo campaign.

I showed you last week some of the cool photo projects you can makes at www.cvs.com/photo. I knew about the photo books but I didn’t know about the other options like how they can print photos on wood AND on metal as well as on canvases. SO cool! I ordered some metal prints and I just picked them up a couple of days ago. They turned out SO good.

The metal is so light that it would be easy to hang up. And the effect the metal has under the photos is so pretty!

I ordered one square metal print and one that is printed on a metal with a part on the back that makes it an easel. How fun is that? So it’s so easy to put on a shelf or my mantel.

I knew that www.CVS.com/photo as well as photo books. But as I was checking out their website I was excited to learn that CVS has some really high-end ways to display your photos. Like canvases in all different sizes, metal prints and even photos printed on wood. SO cool!

Many www,CVS.com/photo products are even available for same-day pick up in-store at your local CVS Pharmacy so it’s a terrific convenient option for busy moms and families.

Now whenever I walk past my mantel I smile. It makes me happy to remember that day and to see my family surrounding me. I will treasure these prints always. AND I am so glad that I AM in the photo!

Put Mom in the Photo – my Mother’s Day Mantel

I also wanted to tell you about an awesome Instagram contest that www,CVS.com/photo is running to give away a $50 gift card. Be sure to follow along and tag yourself in their #PutMomInThePhoto hashtag. I love the idea of all of us moms getting out from behind the camera and getting IN the photos!! And even if you can’t hire or ask someone to take photos, you can always put your camera or phone on your “timer” setting and hop into the photo!

CVS also has a really easy to use www.CVS.com/photo mobile app – you can:

• Order prints
• Print from Camera Roll (same-day pickup)
• Print from Facebook (same-day pickup)

Let us know in the comments how YOU plan to put yourself in the photo!

I would love to know your ideas!!

This post was sponsored by www.cvs.com/photo but all opinions and ideas are mine. See my disclosures for more information.

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If there is one thing that I wish I could tell my younger self – it would be to have taken photos of myself with my kids. I did pretty well at taking photos of my kids at their important events – birthdays and special occasions. But as I look back over the photos throughout the years I am rarely in any of the pictures. I know as moms that we put our kids and families first. And, for me, it seemed like I was always waiting until my bangs grew out or I lost those last 10 pounds. I mean – check out those bangs below LOL. Put Mom in the Photo.

(photo cred above – Jenny On The Spot from our Iceland trip)

So when CVS contacted me and told me about their Put Mom in the Photo campaign – I loved it. It’s a message I believe in and I think it’s important to share!

But one thing I can say is that you are never going to younger than you are right now. And looking back at those pictures you will treasure having photos with YOU in them of  those special days AND every day moments.

I knew that CVS has great photo printing services as well as photo books. But as I was checking out their website I was excited to learn that CVS has some really high-end ways to display your photos. Like canvases in all different sizes, metal prints and even photos printed on wood. SO cool!

I think my favorite are the CVS metal easels that you can print your photos on. I ordered some and I can’t wait to see them on my mantel at the cottage.

So in an effort to get Mom in the Photo – ME, I hired my daughter Hannah’s adorable high school friend Lauryn to come over and take some pictures of me and the kids on  Sunday afternoon.

I had to change my shirt three times before I was pretty happy with the results, but I love that I now have some updated photos of me and the kids at the cottage. Lauryn even got some pictures of our new puppy too!!

I also made some printables that would be fun to print off for Mother’s Day! I will be sharing them, along with my photo projects as soon as they come in.

I am encouraging YOU to get out from behind the camera and get in those photos. You will be glad to look back and have those photos of you and your family making memories!!

Also, are you on Instagram? It’s a great way to record every day moments. CVS is going to run a fun Instagram giveaway that coincides with their Put Mom in the Photo Campaign – I will share more details about their IG prizes soon!! Follow the hashtag #PutMomInThePhoto

Have a Beautiful Day!

xoxo

This post was sponsored by CVS but all ideas are mine. See my discolsures for more details.

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Hello TT&J readers!
I’m thrilled to be here today sharing a quick + easy DIY project featuring some of Jen’s wonderful paper/craft products.

I’m Andrea, an indie biz owner {Knitty Bitties} … sewing her heart out, drinking iced tea and doing her best to live with joy in the everyday!
You can read more about my everyday adventures in life + sewing on my blog, Knitty Bitties.

Do you know how inspiring it is to have a box full of creativity show up on your door step?!

I love the colors in this line … a perfect blend of brights with neutrals.

It was hard to not be overwhelmed with ideas!

In fact, I had to take a deep breath and think about creating something true to my style. Long before I started sewing, I was an avid paper crafter and I’ve always been drawn to projects that are simple and feature a lot of ‘white space’ for the eye to rest and take in the little details.

We are currently expecting our second child {a most wonderful surprise after 10+ years of waiting} and we just found out the gender … another BOY!!
So as my mind is swirling with all things nursery planning + preparation, I thought it would be fun to create a simple instagram display for the nursery that would allow me to switch out the instagram photo as this little one grows and changes.

I love polka dots so I was drawn to the heavy weight double-sided paper featuring white polka dots on a gray {one of the nursery colors} background. Then I just grabbed a few other products that caught my eye and threw in a few fabric scraps in the nursery colors.

Supplies needed::

• 8×10 Frame
• 8.5×11 Sheet of Cardstock
• Fabric Scraps
• Instagram Photo
• Silhouette / Die Cutter
• Sewing Machine

From Jen Hadfield Home+Made::

• Patterned Paper (Spring Meadow from Cottage Living )
• Gold Metal Clip
• Gold Dot Garland

Step 1.
Cut your patterned paper to 8×10.
Cut out single word {Smile, Happy, Love} on preferred cutting tool {I used my Silhouette SD}.

Step 2.
Place cut patterned paper on piece of cardstock and trace the letters onto the cardstock to guide your fabric placement.
Glue fabric scraps to each letter, checking that they don’t overlap and they line up with your word.

Step 3.
Glue cut patterned paper onto piece on cardstock.
Using a sewing machine, add decorative stitching around your word for a little extra detail.

Step 4.
Add a length of gold dot garland giving a little more interest and providing a place to secure the gold clip.
Tape ends of garland to back of the cardstock.
Add gold clip and a favorite instagram photo.

Step 5.
Remove glass and backing from frame. Set glass aside for another project.
Place project into frame and display on a shelf or hang on the wall.

A simple and easy project that you can do-yourself in less than an hour.
I love that focus is on the memory you’re featuring!

Thank you so much for inviting me to share with you today.

**********

Thanks Andrea! I love Instagram and I love this idea too! Such a fun way to display your photos!

I love this cute Fox in My Pocket Tutorial!

And I’m amazed how she turned this Unisex tee into something more fashionable!

And she has this super cute Halloween Table Runner too!

xoxo

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The first thing I did was create a label for my Summer Memory Box. I used a chalkboard sticker, some Thickers, and a gold metal label.

This label fit perfectly on the recipe box. The adhesive on the chalkboard label is really sticky so there’s no worry of it falling off.

 

 

xoxo

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My amazing photographer sister Wendy took some haunted pictures of my kids a couple of years ago when the #1905Cottage was under restoration. They turned out so great and creepy. I thought they would be so fun to have printed from Shutterfly’s wood art to create a Halloween Gallery Wall. I love the way the wood grain shows through in their wood wall art. And I thought it would super cool with the ghostly pictures.

Be sure to check out Wendy’s site and photographs – she’s so talented and I am so proud of her!

The top and bottom pictures are from an abandoned house in Lehi, Utah, that I drove by and grabbed some quick shots of with my phone. I reduced the color saturation a bit and then added semi-transparent type in Adobe Illustrator.

I used the 12 x 36 wood prints from Shutterfly for the top and bottom; two 16×20 wood prints for the middle ones. I then spaced them all 4″ apart so they’d be even.

If you’d like to print these same Haunted Halloween prints, you are welcome to use these free printables (for personal use only!).

Warning: the files are huge because you’ll need a high-resolution image to have them look good printed so large.

Right-click the images  or the text links below and choose “save as” to download the ginormous JPG files:

“Haunted” print JPG

“Halloween” print JPG

I also created some fun Halloween “Enter” and the “If You” on Shutterfly‘s 5 x 7-inch acrylic blocks and the “Dare” on the 5 x 5 ones. You can do the same thing, or print them on heavy photo paper and frame them or mount them on foam-core board.

Fun fact: I used the same technique I used on the Haunted Halloween prints above — I edited a photo and placed slightly transparent text over the top in Adobe Illustrator to create the images. And the photo is from the #1905Cottage porch — it’s the original exterior brick before I had to cover it with the wood siding!

If you’d like to print these same prints, you are welcome to use these free printables (for personal use only!).

Warning: the files are large — not as large as the previous ones, but you’ll still want a high-resolution image to have them look good printed.

Right-click the images  or the text links below and choose “save as” to download the high-resolution JPG files:

“Enter” image

“If You” image

“Dare” (square) image

* * * * *

It’s amazing what you can create with Shutterfly’s Home Decor Items!

Shutterfly on Pinterest (Be sure to follow them on Pinterest – awesome ideas here!)

Shutterfly Home Decor on the Web

Shutterfly on Twitter (@shutterfly)

Shutterfly on Facebook

 Have a Creative Day!! 

xoxo

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Shutterfly and as part of the Mom it Forward Blogger Network. I love Shutterfly and am excited to be a Shutterfly blog ambassador. See my disclosures.

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It’s always hard to find quality ways to display family memories!

I was introduced to Personal Creations’ Puzzle of Life product, and it’s a fun addition to the kids “hangout room!”

It’s easy to select the sets and pieces, easy to put together and helps you tell your family’s story. Add and rearrange pieces as your family changes — their quality will last for many years since they’re handmade by Amish woodworkers. I thought it would be fun to display images of each of my kids and the definition of Siblings on the inside part of the puzzle. I love the way it turned out!!

I’ll show you how you can win a $100 credit for your own Puzzle of Life after the break!

I wanted to make a Puzzle of Life set that reflected the theme I’d created for this room — and I love the way it looks!

I tried to create a theme that matched the Teen/Tween hangout room’s selfie wall, and  since that decor featured a “selfie” definition, I decided to feature a similar approach with a definition of the word “sibling.” I wanted to feature the kids — since it’s their room — and the word “sibling” seemed to fit the best. I chose the elements of online definitions that best fit what I wanted to communicate. Then I decided I should feature the birth years and names of each of the kids. Notice that each puzzle piece style has a slightly different layout, which adds some visual variety. It’s not at all confusing when you order, though — it’s obvious how they all fit together and easy to choose the layout and finish you like best. (I chose these wood finishes because they match the decor — you could choose any of several attractive finishes!)

I love also that I can switch out the pictures so easily too!! I love this idea as a different way to create a family gallery wall.

Ordering was quick and easy and I was very pleasantly surprised at how quickly the puzzle pieces arrived! The wood and the finish work was also high-quality.

This would also make such a cute wedding gift. Or a gift for grandparents – showing all of their grandchildren. I love that pieces can be added on later too!!

Here’s how you could win a $100 credit to create your own Puzzle of Life!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway begins July 31 and ends August 8; one winner will receive a $100 credit for Puzzle of Life.

And you can get 20% off your Puzzle of Life order when you use this special discount code: PCSM20!

How would you make your family’s story using the Puzzle of Life?

xoxo

This post was sponsored by Personal Creations but the content and design ideas are mine. See my disclosures.

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